Iron is a mineral nutrient essential to making haemoglobin, which is a protein that transports oxygen around your body.

Low iron is the most common cause of low haemoglobin. However, if you are low in iron, it’s possible to still have a normal haemoglobin level.

If you have been diagnosed with low iron (with or without low haemoglobin) you can’t donate until it (and the low haemoglobin, if present) has been fully investigated, treated and corrected. This may include iron replacement therapy and/or dietary changes to increase iron intake.